Thanks, Pat. I had never considered the “mystical union” you describe here, that it’s the Faith OF Jesus more than our faith in Jesus Christ that’s at work, and how reassuring that is when I consider how fickle my own faith can be. As you remind us, “the cross . . . means everything.” What a timely Lenten reminder! In this vein, Susan and I have been re-watching an episode or two of THE CHOSEN most evenings throughout Lent. At the end of Season Four, there’s a re-imagined depiction of Lazarus’s sister Mary pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus feet and wiping his feet with her hair. A Pharisee who has been stirred by Jesus’s words and miracles is in attendance, and an amazing debate breaks out between this Pharisee, who wants to believe Jesus is the promised Messiah, and Jesus, who is trying to convince him that He is not drawing people away from the Law. Your words here resonated with me while I was watching that confrontation.
I am so glad you commented on putting our faith in the "faithfulness of Christ." To interpret the Scripture the other way, we begin to imagine that we can "work up" a sufficient amount of faith to put us right with God. No, indeed, it is only Christ's work, his sacrifice, that reconciles us with God.
Also, the vignette from "The Chosen" is helpful. It is too easy, and quite honestly false, that Christ sought to make a break with his Jewish faith and the Torah. That makes Jesus look like God's redo...as if God could not get it right from the beginning. Jesus, in fact, came to "fulfill the Law," he assured those at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17). The Greek for "fulfill" is "plēroō," means "complete" as well as "fulfill." Jesus, the divine Word taking on flesh is itself the "completion" of all God's purposes, including the Law. I am fascinated by this question and return to it in my April 8 post.
Thank you for your transparent honesty and sharing the pain of your young heart. How can people be so cruel? And yet it continues. I am thankful for your words and guidance.
Pam, I really appreciate your encouragement...so much so that I have written two posts before we leave for Paris tomorrow. I am a little frazzled, but pray we have a good trip. You are a dear friend. Patrick+
Thanks, Pat. I had never considered the “mystical union” you describe here, that it’s the Faith OF Jesus more than our faith in Jesus Christ that’s at work, and how reassuring that is when I consider how fickle my own faith can be. As you remind us, “the cross . . . means everything.” What a timely Lenten reminder! In this vein, Susan and I have been re-watching an episode or two of THE CHOSEN most evenings throughout Lent. At the end of Season Four, there’s a re-imagined depiction of Lazarus’s sister Mary pouring the expensive perfume on Jesus feet and wiping his feet with her hair. A Pharisee who has been stirred by Jesus’s words and miracles is in attendance, and an amazing debate breaks out between this Pharisee, who wants to believe Jesus is the promised Messiah, and Jesus, who is trying to convince him that He is not drawing people away from the Law. Your words here resonated with me while I was watching that confrontation.
Bob,
I am so glad you commented on putting our faith in the "faithfulness of Christ." To interpret the Scripture the other way, we begin to imagine that we can "work up" a sufficient amount of faith to put us right with God. No, indeed, it is only Christ's work, his sacrifice, that reconciles us with God.
Also, the vignette from "The Chosen" is helpful. It is too easy, and quite honestly false, that Christ sought to make a break with his Jewish faith and the Torah. That makes Jesus look like God's redo...as if God could not get it right from the beginning. Jesus, in fact, came to "fulfill the Law," he assured those at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17). The Greek for "fulfill" is "plēroō," means "complete" as well as "fulfill." Jesus, the divine Word taking on flesh is itself the "completion" of all God's purposes, including the Law. I am fascinated by this question and return to it in my April 8 post.
Thanks for being a reader and a friend, Patrick+
Thank you for your transparent honesty and sharing the pain of your young heart. How can people be so cruel? And yet it continues. I am thankful for your words and guidance.
Pam, I really appreciate your encouragement...so much so that I have written two posts before we leave for Paris tomorrow. I am a little frazzled, but pray we have a good trip. You are a dear friend. Patrick+